Recovery
*Please understand that the first 3 days are the most difficult and it will get better
Facial Swelling
- Increases right after surgery
- Peaks at about 72 hours after surgery
- Expect swelling to reduce 3 days after peak
- Ice during the first week will help reduce swelling
- At 2 weeks most people feel comfortable
- Swelling makes everything difficult
- Expect drooling because the lips can't close
Mouth Opening
- Difficult for the first week until swelling comes down
- Jaw muscles will feel tight with the swelling
- Week 2-3: Practice opening and closing your mouth (without dental elastics) in front of a mirror, 10 times each morning and evening
Activities
- Shower the next day
- Sleep with your head elevated aided by a neck pillow for support
- Each day, continue to be as active as you can be
- The sooner you try to return to your normal activities, the faster you will recover
Eating
CHEWING and SWALLOWING WILL TAKE TIME!
- It will take time to get through each meal. It is messy as you adjust to your jaws in a new position. You will have difficulty bringing your lips together and at the beginning, liquids and foods will dribble out.
- Many patients find it easier to eat 6 or 7 small meals throughout the day
- Soft/pureed foods are the best or use a blender
- BE PATIENT. The first week after surgery is the toughest. Once you turn the corner, your recovery will be much faster. Try to be active, keep your mind off the recovery, and remember that surgery is behind you
Oral Care
- Mix in equal parts Hydrogen Peroxide and water. Irrigate the mouth using a syringe that we give you.
- After the first 3 days, use salt water (1/4 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water). Irrigate the mouth using a syringe that we give you.
- Start brushing the teeth 1 week after surgery. Use a baby toothbrush. Continue to use the salt water to irrigate the teeth and gums. You can also start to use mouth rinse.
- At two weeks from surgery, brush the gums both outside and inside (roof of the mouth). You can use your finger with toothpaste. This will help remove any remaining sutures.
Nasal Care
- You can use a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide mixed with water to clean any of the blood that crusts on the nasal rim the first 3-5 days
- If you have upper jaw surgery, then begin to use nasal salt water to clean the inside of the nose after 1 week
- Some patients will experience nasal bleeding for a week after surgery. You can use Afrin nasal spray and cotton. You can pinch the nose for 10 minutes. If it is still bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room.
